Still no Bobcats for me this season

[millst2]

Yeah i get the same thing, Windstream want pay the fees to get the bobcats games. And on leaguepass we are blacked out.

I would think the easiest resolution to this would be that NBA.com could do a revenue share with the providers in the area that cant get the games on TV. We pay 100-150 a yr for the league pass they could kick the service providers a cut to lift their blackouts.

Bobcats have the stupidest fukn TV deals in existence. I am not even outside of the 75 mile radius, can drive to the stadium in under an hour. But god forbid we get to see the shit on TV. Hence why the fan base growth has been so sluggish outside of the queen city. I have emails from the cable provider I have and i get the same thing everytime. All they say is that it is Fox's fault, fox says its the providers fault, providers say its the teams fault they made the contract like they did. Hell just put it back on NC14 or whatever that shitty news channel was called, atleast more people could watch.

[Proudiddy]

It sucks balls that I have to continue to sit uncomfortably squinting at my computer screen trying to get feeds from Timbuktu of the game. I could call DTV for Chapel Hill and complain, but these douchebags don't care... If we don't have it by now, we won't have it anytime soon. Definitely not this season.

[bozzy]

again, i am very appreciative of MT but this is complete crap. the bobcat's are supplying a product, therefore they are the business. THEY need to ensure we have access. we have michael "Greatest Of ALL TIME, MOST POPULAR ATHLETE ON THE PLANET" jordan as an owner. he can't do some commercials for direct tv? come on. the answer is not for us to form a bobcats tea party to get access. we have tried for three years now. we need some help from the big guns.

This is the reason the Bobcats tv situation has sucked since their existence. Sure, it is up to the providers, but the Bobcats continue to have the attitude that it is up to the fans and the providers to fix the situation. This type of attitude does not exactly endure fans to the Bobcats. The Bobcats should be actively trying to help their fans get access to the tv broadcasts. They shouldn't be blaming everyone else but themselves.

[Brad]

So, after this weekend, will Bobcats games be blacked out on NBA Broadband as well?

[IshHappens]

I would think the easiest resolution to this would be that NBA.com could do a revenue share with the providers in the area that cant get the games on TV. We pay 100-150 a yr for the league pass they could kick the service providers a cut to lift their blackouts.

Bobcats have the stupidest fukn TV deals in existence. I am not even outside of the 75 mile radius, can drive to the stadium in under an hour. But god forbid we get to see the shit on TV. Hence why the fan base growth has been so sluggish outside of the queen city. I have emails from the cable provider I have and i get the same thing everytime. All they say is that it is Fox's fault, fox says its the providers fault, providers say its the teams fault they made the contract like they did. Hell just put it back on NC14 or whatever that shitty news channel was called, atleast more people could watch.

Well said.

To me it's just astonishing. The owner(s) of this franchise invest so much time and money into the product, and then make it to where NOBODY can see it. It's not like we're having trouble finding a Single A Minor League Baseball team on television. This is an NBA team in our backyard and their TV deal is so shitty that nobody can watch them.

[bobKAT1148]

As has been mentioned by others, I am getting the run around from DirectTV as to who to contact to let them know that there is demand for Bobcats games in the Carolinas outside of the 75 mile market. (I'm on the coast). Has anyone been able to locate a number, email or contact point at DirectTV where these requests can be forwarded?

I'll be honest, I'll email/call/write whomever and pay whatever I have to... I just want to see my Bobcats on TV!

[teej]

@ everyone outside the 75 mile radius.

There's not really much demand for the games, 100, or even 1000 people calling still doesn't justify the cost to them. Your best bet is to just get a "front" address inside the radius and have your bills go through there, then you get the Charlotte programming and locals. This includes Bobcat games and all the other QC-only stuff. Other than that, enjoy ATDHE.

[Chef]

As has been mentioned by others, I am getting the run around from DirectTV as to who to contact to let them know that there is demand for Bobcats games in the Carolinas outside of the 75 mile market. (I'm on the coast). Has anyone been able to locate a number, email or contact point at DirectTV where these requests can be forwarded?

I'll be honest, I'll email/call/write whomever and pay whatever I have to... I just want to see my Bobcats on TV!

i used the email page http://support.directv.com/app/ask and sent this email and got this response

Customer (Entered by DIRECTV) - 10/08/2010 10:22 AM
I would love to switch from Time Warner Cable to Direct TV but I can't due to a coporate decision made by Direct TV. I live in Durham NC and am a follower of the Charlotte Bobcats. TWC carries all of the Bobcats games on FoxSports South to both the inner (75mile radius from Char) and outer (North and South Carolina) markets. Direct TV has decided to not purchase the rights to show the Bobcats games to the outer markets. This excludes a potential 2 million+ customers from seeing ANY Bobcats games. I am unable to see the Bobcats on NBA league pass due to league blackout rules because I am in the outer market.

I (as well as a multiple number of Bobcats fans) have called DirectTV to explain this and no one at DirecTV seems to care. I saw that the CEO was on Undercover Boss and thought now would be the time to try to reach the "higher ups".

I have provided a link to the fan site where many discussions have occurred about this subject. As well, I have provided the contact info for Michael Thompson, director of coporate communications.

Please, do all you can to ensure that all of the defined Bobcats market can see their games. Your main cable competitor in the area, Time Warner Cable, is the only provider who shows games to the outer market. I would switch to DirectTV today, if they decided to show the games to the outer market.
Thank you,


Michael Thompson: mthompson@bobcats.com

Forum from Bobcats fansite:
http://www.bobcatsplanet.com/vb/show...496-twc-or-sat


Thank you for your recent correspondence. We appreciate the opportunity to respond to your concerns.

Starting in the 2008-2009 season, DIRECTV made the decision not to deliver the Charlotte Bobcats games to the entire team territory. Certain customers can receive the games on FOX Sports South or SportSouth, determined by zip code.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you and hope to see you as a DIRECTV customer in the near future.

Your feedback was forwarded to DIRECTV Management for review. Please note, we make programming decision based on potential viewers like you.

At DIRECTV we strive to provide the finest in satellite television entertainment and outstanding customer service. If you have any additional concerns, please contact us at 1-866-785-5536 between the hours of 7:30 AM and 7:30 PM MT.

Sincerely,

Jennifer
DIRECTV Customer Advocate Team

[spectre]

@ everyone outside the 75 mile radius.

There's not really much demand for the games, 100, or even 1000 people calling still doesn't justify the cost to them.

Which is why the company line that it's up to us to get the providers to change their minds is total BS.

[sportsfan86]

Who is mostly to blame for people not being able to see the Bobcats on SportSouth? Is it Time Warner Cable, SportSouth/FS South, or the team itself?

I figured if were able to get SportSouth we should be able to see the Charlotte Bobcats as its part of the programing oftered by FS South/SportSouth. Were able to see all other programing oftered by them Atlanta Braves, Carolina Hurricanes.

Tonight on FS South and SportSouth both are airing NHL games. Can see both Carolina on FS Carolina and Atlanta on SportSouth. Thought Atlanta isn't surpose to be seen as its out of market. I think its stupid to see the Atlanta Thrashers but can't see local Charlotte Bobcats basketball game.